The latest instalment of El Clasico should be a beauty as FC Barcelona look for victory away from home to close the gap on La Liga leaders and eternal rivals Real Madrid. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00am AEDT.
Outside the Champions League final, the match-up between Real and Barcelona is the most watched footballing event on the planet – and for good reason.
Cristiano Ronaldo up against Lionel Messi is one reason. The other is the genuine hatred that these teams feel for each other.
There are still three La Liga points up for grabs, of course, but a win for Real should all but seal the domestic title barring a major slip-up against inferior rivals.
Barcelona are currently four points adrift of Real and need a win tonight to put the pressure back on Real as the La Liga season reaches its climax.
A loss for Real tonight would also help Atletico Madrid’s La Liga aspirations given that Real’s cross-town rivals are only three points adrift in second place.
On form, Real will start favourites tonight and deservedly so. Barcelona’s form away from home in recent weeks has been poor and they will need a complete form reversal if they hope to upset Los Blancos.
It goes without saying that Messi must fire tonight if Barcelona are a chance. The Argentine has admitted that he is back to his best following a hat-trick against Osasuna last week.
Throw in his strong performance against Manchester City in the Champions League and Messi is beginning to showcase the form responsible for tormenting Real on so many occasions throughout his career.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo seems to be enjoying his status as the game’s best player and is beginning to form a lethal partnership with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
The preceding trio will cause a vulnerable Barcelona defence huge problems on the break, so it will be interesting to see if Barcelona are willing to give up their pressing game to avoid getting caught on the counter.
Overall, another memorable match-up between the two biggest clubs in world football awaits, but Real’s form at the moment bodes well for a win.
Real to win 2-1.
Steve
Guest
"Yes, this one 90 minute period of football is what we should judge both Messi and Ronaldo on. Said no one, ever." 100% agree, one match, or even 3 or 4 are not enough. But over the past five to six years it's pretty clear who wins in terms of key plays (goals and assists) and influencing results (winning records and trophies), and it is very clearly Messi. in 27 Clasicos Messi has 21 goals and 12 assists. The player with the most goals, assists and hat tricks (2) in this fixtures history. "And Messi did not score 3 goals; He scored 1 goal and converted 2 penalties. Thats how I always look at in anyway." Are you forgetting his assist for Iniesta's goal, or the through ball to Neymar that lead to his first penalty "conversion"? Just wondering also , do you apply this criteria to Ronaldo also, who scores a greater number penalties (both absolute and as a% of total goals) than Messi? Ronaldo is great, but Messi is in another league. He has an extra gear from Ronaldo that he can switch on. "Messi was brilliant, Iniesta and Xavi very poor". You haven't watched much of Barcelona these past couple of years if you think this has been rare. Xavi and Iniesta were great today, but Xavi has declined big time from a few seasons ago and Iniesta goes in and out of form. 3 or 4 seasons ago, Xavi and Iniesta were arguably more influential on Barcelona than Messi (and again, that's arguable - remember 2011 UCL SF or 2011 Super Copa). But last year when Messi was almost single-handedly winning La Liga (scoring against every team in concession, including an incredible run of braces), Xavi and Iniesta were more often than not no-where to be seen. In fact, when Messi got injured and Barcelona relied on him coming on (injured) to progress against PSG in CL Quarters, people were saying that Barcelona was Messidependant. I guess that doesn't fit the Messi relies on Xavi/Iniesta narrative though does it. Today though, Xavi was great, while Iniesta was great at the start and end of the match, and a bit invisible at the start of the second half. Ronaldo, Bale and Cesc were meh. Neymar was horrible. Di maria was fantastic. Benzema could've scored 5 or 6. The first two penalties should not have been called. Ramos shouldn't have been sent off. Iniesta's penalty was legit though. A 6-6 draw would've been a fair result if both teams took their chances.
Ian
Guest
Missed the match, but yeah, how does this one game prove ronaldo can't compete with messi? reading your comment i thought barca had smashed RM. but it was 4-3 to barca. good comment from ryan about xavi. and i admire both messi and CR. the same person can't win best player every single year.
Ryan
Guest
Yes, this one 90 minute period of football is what we should judge both Messi and Ronaldo on. Said no one, ever. And Messi did not score 3 goals; He scored 1 goal and converted 2 penalties. Thats how I always look at in anyway. I often wonder how Messi's form conincides with the form of Xavi and iniesta. How often do you hear "Messi was brilliant, Iniesta and Xavi very poor". So what comes first, chicken or egg?
humayun
Guest
Messi was alive in the match...he assisted one and scored 3 goals...Ronaldo was almost dead in the match...that shows that ronaldo can't compete with messi...messi is far better than ronaldo...di maria and karim benzema were outstanding.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
What an amazing match. One of the highest quality matches I have seen, simply breathtaking. You cant describe how good this match was, you just have to sit down and watch it and be AMAZED.
walex
Guest
If barca can continue like tonight, the league is still not sure for Real. Even champions league may not be their turn after all. Good game! Enjoyed every bit of it.
bill boomer
Guest
Another gone missing in big game performance from the egomaniac by the sound of it.
Alan
Roar Guru
Barcelona have stood up big time tonight and have defeated Real Madrid away from home. Messi got the better of his Game of Thrones battle with Ronaldo. Messi finished with a hat-trick after scoring two penalties and combining well with Neymar in the first half to score his first. His passing also superb. Xavi, Iniesta also perfect in the midfield for Barca. Alves superb at the back as well as was Pique in my opinion. Alba very good too. For Real, Di Maria and Benzema were tearing Barca to shreds in the first half and Benzema should could have had 4 or 5 goals. Bale when in space also caused plenty of problems. Ronaldo scored a penalty that should not have been awarded, but other than that, he didn't any large say in the game. Thanks for your company today and join us for the Manchester derby on Wednesday morning. Real 3 Barcelona 4
walex
Guest
Massive win for barca. Thrilling game anyway.
Punter
Guest
Ist half was all that was good about the Spanish league. All the skills. 2nd was not that good for the Spanish league. Lots of play acting.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Barca so close to securing a huge win. Messi with another hat-trick in El Clasico. Messi tries to feed Pedro. Alba now away down the left! Offside against Barca though Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Lopez gets to a cross when Messi was ready to score his fourth goal of the night. Barca with possession and Xavi wins the foul. What a win this is for Barca. Real with possession. Busquets fouled now. Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Ronaldo does well to get through some traffic here but Barca get numbers back and clear the danger. Real with the throw. Pedro gives away the freekick. Morata comes on for Modric. Alonso's delivery headed clear. Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Iniesta fouled now. Long ball and its out for a goal kick to Real. This game has had everything. Messi fouled again. Game played on his terms now. Modric get a yellow card. Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Iniesta, Xavi, Messi superb tonight. They are back to their best. Di Maria off for Isco. Real now have to go for it with ten men. Ronaldo yellow carded now. Ronaldo will be displeased with his performance tonight. Besides scoring a penalty, really hasn't offered much. Alexis offside now. Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Stupid challenge from Alonso as he clips Iniesta in the area who has tormented Real tonight....Messi going for his hat-trick. GOAL BARCELONA - Messi scores!!!!! Real 3 Barcelona 4
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY BARCELONA - Iniesta with great feet yet again. Alonso recovers well to block Iniesta's pass. Iniesta goes down and its another penalty!!!!!! Real 3 Barcelona 3
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Mascherano with a shot but his effort just over the bar. Good effort from outside the area. Real 3 Barcelona 3
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Marcelo does well to keep the ball in play. Di Maria delivers but Pique clears. Bale with possession. Modric with a foul on Alba Real 3 Barcelona 3